Convertible top issue - jerking during operation - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

TuftsAuto · 06-25-2015, 08:16 AM

Hi All,

I'm about 2/3 of the way through a road trip from Texas to maine, so please excuse the brevity and typos (on my phone).

My 2002 boxster s seems to have started exhibiting issues with the passenger side actuator for the convertible top. When I lower it, it seems to stutter/jerk about halfway down the travel. No issue when closing it.

I'm thinking that it may be coming off of alignment, leading to scraping, but haven't been able to fully diagnose yet. Has anyone had this issue? Can anyone recommend a lubricant to use to treat the actuator? Thanks for your help!

EJ-Fresno · 06-25-2015, 10:01 AM

The plastic gear inside the transmission might be broken.
I had the same problem, first tried to change the motor, didn't help. Then I found out about the plastic gear issue, swapped it with a metallic one and now everything is fine.

healthservices · 06-25-2015, 10:22 AM

Try lubricant in the tracks first it maybe just dry. Note however if it jerks enough the gear can break

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clickman · 06-25-2015, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by healthservices

Try lubricant in the tracks first, it may be just dry.

What he said. I've heard of it getting so bad that there is jamming and the fender wall is deformed.

leafdude555 · 06-25-2015, 08:52 PM

What is the best lubricant to use for the tracks? Something like WD-40 or a thick grease?

EJ-Fresno · 06-25-2015, 09:14 PM

Marine water-repellant grease

clickman · 06-25-2015, 09:29 PM

Isn't all grease water repellant?

Steve Tinker · 06-26-2015, 12:48 AM

I have used lithium grease in a high pressure rattle can and a long straw wand.

Fresno is talking about marine grade grease which repels being washed off by submersion or water movement - used in marine prop shafts / boat trailer wheel bearings immersed in/out of water. It maybe a little heavy and sticky for the sliding roof rails though....

clickman · 06-26-2015, 08:32 AM

I just used regular white lithium grease, on an old toothbrush IIRC.

TuftsAuto · 06-27-2015, 07:11 PM

Thanks everyone. I'll grease it with lithium grease, and if that doesn't work, will check on the gear.

EJ-Fresno, where can I get the replacement metal gear?

EJ-Fresno · 06-28-2015, 08:41 AM

2 New Porsche Boxster Convertible Top Transmission Gear Gears L and R Side | eBay

There you go

They sell them by the unit as well.